Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

June 17, 2013

“Know that nothing stays the same.” -Dan Millman

One of the fundamental rules in life is that everything must change; nothing stays the same. As we bump up against this rule, we can either accept it or fight it. When we fight against change we are overwhelmed by fear, anger, and pain. We often act out with unhealthy behaviors, enter into or refuse to leave unhealthy relationships, or experience significant anxiety and depression. Worst of all, when we fight against change, we stay stuck in this pattern for long, long time. However, when we accept that change is inevitable, embrace our feelings (no matter how uncomfortable they may be), and open ourselves to help from those around us, we come out the other side stronger. Most importantly, by accepting change, we do not get stuck in the chaos. We find serenity and healing as we accept that nothing stays the same.

Am I accepting or fighting the forces of change in my life? What is driving my resistance? Fear? Anger? Pain? What possibilities await me if I accept change? In what ways might my life and my experiences be transformed?